REM officials boast of a punctuality record but problems persist – Montreal

Those responsible for Montreal’s newest public transportation network – the REM – have posted a solid punctuality record of 99 percent since the trains came into service on July 29.

But other questions remain unanswered.

Noise from elevated tracks remains a problem for many people living near railway tracks.

The CEO says he is aware of the problem and promises to provide answers during public briefings scheduled for later this month.

“We have already organized a meeting with the people where we are going to present all the results, all the mitigation measures that we are going to take,” said Jean-Marc Arbaud, president and CEO of CDPQ Infra, during a conference Press. press conference Wednesday.

Construction of this ma*sive, fully electric, fully automated rail service is now estimated to cost $7.95 billion, an increase of 26% since construction began in 2018.

Arbaud attributes the cost overruns to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Royal Tunnel issues, supply chain issues and labor shortages.

The two other REM branches towards Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue should still be completed by the end of 2024.

Tests on these lines will be carried out next spring.